﻿﻿What is Safe Zone?

Will be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if LGBT people need help, advice, or just someone to talk to.

Will not tolerate homophobic and heterosexist comments and actions but will address them in an educational and informative manner.

Have attended Safe Zone training and have information on campus and community resources.

Mission and Goals

Safe Zone's mission at SIUE is to develop a campus community of allies and provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, faculty, and staff with the ultimate goal of developing SIUE as a safe and welcoming place for LGBT people.

Resource Manual

The Safe Zone Resource Manual (click here) is a resource for all Safe Zone members. You are encouraged to take time to read through the contents of the manual to become familiar with the information it contains. The manual can be a source of information to you so you may more accurately respond to the needs of students who seek your support. Additionally, you may want to photocopy sections of this manual to give to a student. The manual represents a small amount of the information that is available about gay/lesbian/bisexual issues. We encourage you to forward information to the Safe Zone project coordinator that you would like to be included in the manual. This manual is intended to be an ongoing project. Updated and additional information will be sent to you about once per year. Please contact other members of the Safe Zone program for additional resources.

History

Safe Zone began in fall of 2000 when a representative from SIUC provided the first ally training to approximately 35-40 SIUE faculty and staff. Additional training was provided later as a “Train the Trainer” program for ally training. Faculty and Staff in attendance formed a committee of volunteers who provided 2-3 ally training sessions per year, and 2 committee meetings each year. The purpose of Safe Zone was to train Faculty and Staff as Allies who would help LGBT students on campus. In 2005/2006, a small sub-group within Safe Zone worked diligently to obtain benefits for LGBT faculty and staff.

Past and Current Chairs:

Kevin Cannon

Lenore Horner (- 2010)

Brian Hinterscher (2010-2011)

Vicky Dean (2010-2013)

Sherry Smith (2011-2012)

John Davenport (Fall 2013)

Dayna Henry (2012-﻿2014)

Rex Jackson (2013- Present)

Marie Klopfenstein (2014- Present)﻿

Safe Zone Operating Papers

The operating papers (click here) for the Safe Zone Committee outline in more detail how this committee fits into the institution in terms of funding and reporting structure. In addition the operating papers provide information on the leadership positions for Safe Zone and how those positions are filled. If you have any questions regarding this information please contact a Safe Zone Co-Chair.